Gottahaveonetoo

Baby Keagan comes into the world! worth the wait!

2010-05-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

welcome into the world little baby Keagan. I love her so much and I'm so proud of my daughter and her husband for creating such a perfect little girl.

What causes SIDS..

2010-04-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

I've raised 3 kids and back then we laid babies on their bellies, put toys in cribs, used walkers, forced them to drink water, the list goes on. So was I a bad mommy?

Well I do think that many things discovered have saved many babies lives from the sad and sudden death known as SIDS. But I also think we've let fear take over a bit too much. First with things I've read and researched, lots of info that contradicts itself out there too by the way... along with real life experience of watching my infant children breath because it made me smile to entertain myself watching them exsist!. It also has recently been thought that babies that die of SIDS actually have a problem with the part of their brain stem that signals the body to twitch, move or take a deep breath instinctivly when it feels danger. This is my conclusions on some of the suggestions:

1- They say to never put an infant to sleep on their belly, only on their back. they should only be on their belly under adult supervision and they call it tummy time. Some say for a year, others say until the baby rolls over on her own.
Irene's comments: If your baby is pre-mature or very small, I agree that you should never put her to sleep on her belly since her airway may be blocked if in that position with the pressure of her little body and they wouldn't be able to correct their position to breath better, especially if she is premie since the brain stem may not be developed enough as mentioned above... but once she rolls over on her own.. that's the sign she is ready. If the baby is full term and at least normal size and weight, then sleeping on the belly is fine if you are with the baby but at night she should be on her back, again until she rolls on her own. I would think with a premie or small infant, rolling over wouldn't happen until they are a bit older than the average baby that rolls over around 3 1/2 to 5 months old.

2- They say Blankets, pillows or stuffed toys in the crib are not safe- I agree with this. for the little baby blankets can heat them up and babies heat up MUCH faster than adults. This overheating can make it hard to breath and it can put baby in a much deeper sleep, harder to wake from, and dont forget the theory on brain stem! harder to wake is not good. Also if the baby can roll over, it can roll and blankets can roll around them and get wrapped around their heads, again no air, toys can fall over on babies face or when baby rolls can get stuck by their face and if baby is not strong at lifing their head (this is inevidible if you are not putting baby on belly because that is when they learn to lift their heads and chests off the bed) they may not be able to get their face away from the toy directly on their face and the toy can move with their movements. Pillows are totally unnecessary. they create a place for suffocation I don't have to elaborate on that, There is no reason for these things, even a sheet (besides the crib fitted sheet) is not necessary. Put a fleese sleeper on the baby and she will be warm and toasty enough for sleep with no chance of getting wrapped in a sheet. Speaking of sheets, the fitted sheet should be tight. If you watch when a baby starts rolling over, they do not have good control of their hands, but the do keep putting them to their mouths, so a baby on their belly will slide their hands back and forth to their face, if the sheet is loose they can bunch up by their little face, again making air flow less than desired. tight sheets eliminate that.

Now Bumber Guards are a different mixed story. While baby is an infant, the bumper guards are for show, The don't roll or scoot yet. Once they are about 4 months old they will start rolling over and scooting, well if your baby is wrestless, chances are SIDS will not be an issue as far as thier bodies not instinctivly moving or waking, and for those wrestless sleepers, Bumper guards will protect the baby from injury, they will help stop little hands and feet from getting stuck or twisted between the bars of the crib . That painful scream in the middle of the night is terrifying for a parent. If the baby is a heavy sleeper but does scoot around some, I wouldn't use bumpers, chances are they wont move fast enough to get injured so guards are not necessary and why take the risk. . Since corners are tied to the crib they do not fall over on the baby or move with the babies movements, Also if you use a bassinett or cradle, by the time the baby is sleeping in the crib at night they are a few months old and again already have so much more control. Bumper guards now have 'breathable' materials that protect the baby from injury but allow the baby to breath if their face is near them plus protect from arms and legs getting stuck. Using bumper guards should be a choice, but if you buy breathable, or make them with breathable materials, have a wrestless baby, then I would use them. It's a choice.

3. Pacifiers- many people do not believe in them. Well I've always believed in pacifiers for little babies. but now I have more reason, they say infants that use pacifiers have a lower chance of SIDS. I always liked them for many other reasons. one is many mothers mistake a babies natural need to suck for hunger. the pacifier is the best way to tell with an infant, if they keep spitting the pacifier out, they are probably hungry, if they suck they are not! no overweight babies! More reasons- babies have many things to cry over, crying makes an unhappy baby and unhappy stressed out parents. If a simple pacifier can make baby and parents calm and happy that leads to good behavior not bad. All my babies used pacifiers and all did not use them by the time they were a year old. There is no need to give a pacifier except for habit after that. Easy way to break the habit, either take it away whenthey are so small they don't notice about 5 or 6 months old. By now the parent can usually tell babies cries apart to know how to help their baby and the pacifier is not as useful. if not then, when they are a year, take one pacifier at a time and cut it, just a little so the air doesn't stay in, when baby sucks it will not work, tell them it's broken and throw it out, when you get to the last one, explain when this one breaks there are no more. The baby will understand that much better than you think... don't get tempted to buy more or they know there is not 'last' one because mommy can go buy more!

Best way to avoid SIDS and have a pleasant baby (in Irene's opinion) be attentive, don't be afraid to hold your infant baby if she cries. No one can convince me an infant knows how to manipulate, we learn that behavior, we're not born with it. Plus if baby knows when they need you, you are there, they cry less. They lay down longer knowing if they get frightened, bored , tired they call you and you come to help them. Remember, infants have eyes and ears, they are sponges and waiting for life, they are curious, they want to SEE things. Many times they want to be picked up more to look around and get a better view. So changing their view, environment with toys they can lay on and see around them, swings, and other sit in toys (when big enough obviously) will make them cry less. Especially if they haven't spent the first 3/4 months of their lives crying constantly because they had a pacifier and attentive, smiling, less stressed parents. Even as infants, we eventually learn to repeat behavior that gets the job done. I'd rather hear my baby laugh and pick her up than only when she cried. None of them thought the only way they got picked up was when they cried, or they would have cried all the time just to get pickedup once they figured that out.

I have no problem saying that I am a good mom. I have 3 great adult children who 2 are now becoming moms themselves. and they are and will be good moms. They know I love them and would do anything I could for them, but they don't take advantage and ask for things that are selfish, I know they love me and would do anything for me, but I also would never ask for something selfish. I was warned about having 3 teenage girls at the same time... warnings weren't warranted because I never a serious issue. I am not really sure if I can name any year any of them were really 'rebellious'. They were happy, smart, funny kids that had great relationships with friends, did great in school, never took drugs or drank alcohol, not even cigarettes. None of them are cursers, none of them slept around, all 3 took college seriously and have or about to have degrees. And best of all, they all love eachother, get along well and love me. When I see them I know it's because they WANT to see me. I don't feel like it's obligation to see me. They obviously miss me when we can't see eachother. I gave birth to my 3 best friends. I really honestly believe our relationships are what they are largely because of how our relationships were those first months and years of life. because that led me to be the mother I was throughout the rest of their lives. It set the scene. Yes, I'm one really lucky person.

I love my girls.

Pooped

2010-03-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am so tired. But I have so much to do! Ever feel that way? It's like every single day lately. I will admitt I've gotten a ton of stuff done lately. Now all I want is Maria out of Colorado, Jayme to get that house she is trying to get and Nicole to have my precious grand daughter. I don't ask much but all this should be accomplished in weeks, months at most. More to get tired over! but worth it.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Well, as usual, I'm about to leave the office at 8:30pm. I really gotta get God to give us just a few more hours in each day.
I have 8 trainees in this office. Thank goodness for Jessica, she is helping SOOO much with the training. But there is so much to do and the day passes too quick. Now I'll go home and try to do the 4 evaluations that I've been trying to get done for a week.
I'm just complaining but it feels good.

Looking forward to this weekend when we have a baby shower for my Nicole and Jenette. It's exciting that I'm going to be a grandma again. I can't wait to meet my new granddaughter in a couple of months. I just love her so much already I can't imagine how my heart will handle her when she is born. I already get all nuts and crazy over my current granddaughter who is my precious bubbalah. Having two is going to make my chest explode.

Yes.. I'm happy :) Life is good. I love my kids. I love my son - in - laws. And I have the best granddaughters in the world.

Going home to work. 2 hours. thats all just 2 more hours in a day would do it.

Going to Cancun

2010-01-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Well we earned another trip at work and looks like we are going to Cancun!!!
So I've started to diet because I want to look human in a bathing suit. I've lost about 11 lbs so far. not bad but I have a long way to go. The doctor is helping me lose weight so maybe it will finally work this time. We'll see

Wish me luck!

Looking good!

2009-09-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

I did something I never do. Since I'm still over weight, I do what most over weight people do. I do not buy myself new clothes since I'm 'waiting' till I'm thinner to spend money. But on Tuesday I did a presentation (seminar) for a client. It is the second one in a week and I have another next week. I put on one of my suits and when I was sitting there looking at my shoes, I noticed the heel was damaged, the shoe looked a bit scuffed too. I looked in my lap and my best suit had a nice pull in the fabric. I looked at my blouse and realized even though it's in good shape, I've had this blouse about 12 years. hmmmm. I'm a VP of a company and my BEST suit is about 5 years old? scuffed damaged shoes? a 12 year old blouse? what the heck is wrong with me!!! So I went major shopping on my way home from the presentation. I bought so many work clothes, shoes, scarves, jewelry and a new pocketbook, I dont want to think about how much I spent. Then I went home and got rid of things in my closet that I dont wear or look bad on me. I'm out of town again now but when I go home this weekend, my shoes and drawers are next. I wore a new outfit today and got compliments on my clothes and my pocketbook. It must be noticable! I should have done this a while ago. I deserve it!

Dinner Auction Over

2009-09-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

So we had the auction for the Italian North & South Dinner. We were the first item to be on the block. We thought, that stinks, the first never goes for much. People are just getting there feet wet and there are 11 items they were auctioning. Most were fancy dinners at fancy restaurants, one painting, and a couple of overnight trips plus dinner, or a day of golfing plus dinner. One that went for the most was a spanish dinner party for 20! So who knew if our little Taste of Italy dinner for 8 would do well. I was very happy! it went for $800. WOW, that was more than many others, only two were higher! So we have to make sure it is REALLY good! We sold it with a story. My friend Sally who is doing this with me thought it would be interesting to give some history on how I came across the recipes. Like how my 2 italian parents from Northern and Southern Italy met and came to America. In the blurb about the dinner in the program, some of what I wrote was there as part of the description, it said if you want to hear more you had to bid on the dinner. We've decided to make it into a real story. I will tell it (of course, it's my story) and Sally & Marte will be my 'grunges' as they so nicely put it. I do all the pre cooking, they do all the serving and cleaning. Not a problem, should be fun. Then gentleman who won the bid would like it after the 1st of the year, so we have a while. This should be fun!

A taste of Old World Italy- Nord e Sud

2009-08-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

So my 2 friends and I decided to donate a dinner to be auctioned off for charity. So to make it fun we did a taste test date tonight. we cooked all the possible foods we were considering and narrowed it down to 'A Taste of Italy- North & South' After making so many italian dishes, we realized how different the north of Italy cuisine is from the south of Italy. So this should be interesting, part of the deal is whoever pays the highest for the dinner and buys it, not only gets a home cooked Italian dinner for 6, but the three of us get to serve it to them also

We will have appetizer
North- Peppers with Anchovie and South Shrimp Scampi

then the first 2 courses are 'poor man' dishes very inexpensive for their regions
North- Rice Milanese and South Muscles

Next 2 courses, made with things abundent in their regions
North- Pasta and Wine sauce and South Spaghetti and meatballs

A break with a nice fancy Anti Pasta (that both regions would have eaten)

then we show the real difference in North and South, both have a dish with the same name made totally different, Chicken Cacciatorre. Northern style and Southern style

Finally desert,
Some delicious home made Italian Tortoni

Girlie Girls

2009-08-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

One day when Nikki was at my house and she went in her little pool, she wanted me to dry her hair, as we went upstairs to do that, she noticed my curlers. I asked if she wanted me to put them in her hair and she got very excited. So here are some big girl pictures of my girlie grandaughter. I always have so much fun with this kid. She's a little comedian!

How to make a long drive fun

2009-08-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

While driving home from Dodge City with Jayme, Charles and Nikki, we found ways to make it fun. we also stopped and took some pictures. It was fun!

2009-06-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

kitchen is done. Well actually some little things need finish in this picture, like the oven vent wasn't up yet but for the most part the kitchen is done.

Should you fix your deviated septum?

2009-04-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I voted yes and on the 15th I had surgery. From what my doctor said, good thing I did. It turns out I had a few problems in there. The cartlidge between my nostrils was getting so thin from years of breathing on only one bent side that I was working toward a hole between my nostrils. Lovely. I also needed to have a hole repaired in one sinus that was created from pressure because of the strange shaped nasal passage, and I had to have bone removed that overgrew inside one side. Plus of course fix the deviation in my septum that was making both nostrils have maybe 10% opening left on either side. And I wonder why I had sinus headaches, constant sinus infections, problems breathing at night and bloody noses!

Well because of all the 'extra' junk, it's been 4 days and I'm still so very uncomfortable it sucks. I'm not in any pain, just every breath I take reminds me that I cannot breath, cannot blow my nose and can't sleep. The packing came out in about 24 hours and that was a huge relief, at least then I could swallow and eat like normal.

Try this, pinch you nose so closed not even a teeny tiny bit of air can pass, now hold it like that and try to swallow a sip of water, or try to chew your food without breathing. sucks don't it!

Anyway, the splints are huge and they will stay in my nose for about a week. They are very uncomfortable and itchy. And they dig a bit into my nose but I'll survive it. I just wish I could blow my nose. If I could get the junk out I could breath and the draining would stop. I can't even feel when it will drain out my nose since the stupid plastic splint goes almost to the opening. so yes, good ol cotton balls are shoved in my nose most of the day. I look gorgeous.

So let's recap my experience.

Jayme, look me to the surgery center, but they forgot to call her until afterI woke up and I asked if they called, I got A 'Oh, we are supposed to call her?" so once they did I finally got to go home, not long after she had to leave for a doctor appointment. I kept giving myself the magic pain killers, but that didnt stop the discomfort, though yes it did stop the pain. Jayme, Charles and the baby did come back later on that night and stay over. They brought me some soup from Jasons deli where they ate and it was so hard to swallow, but tasted good.

Maria also drove down late that night after work and stayed with me. She even put up with me and slept in my bed if I needed anything. Considering I didnt sleep more than 5 minutes at a time all night It was nice to have her there, even though she was sleeping.

The baby was sick so we had Jayme leave her with us the next day. Good thing for Maria. I think this was the first time Maria and Little Nicole had so much one on one time together. I know Nikki loved it. Maria babied us both and made us a yummy lunch. She even took me to get the packing out of my nose and I know that grossed her out. It had to, it grossed me out! She put up will ALL my complaining, and trust me, there was a lot of it. Then she had to leave and go back up to Manhattan.

Well Jayme wound up leaveing work a little early since I was useless watching Nicole. She was being a good girl as she always is, but lets face it. She is 2 years old and I was a grouchy uncomfortable grandma who couldn't breath or blow her nose and constantly wanted to cut my nose off. So Jayme, Charles and the baby stayed over again. Jayme cooked for us so that was nice that I didnt have to fend for myself.

Now it's friday and still the baby is sick too. I was feeling much better. I actually only woke up about 7 times during the night. So I had Jayme leave nikki with me. but since it was not an easy task, she left work early anyway and was home later in the afternoon.

Yesterday I chilled, I did get to see the baby for a little bit when Jayme & Charles took their dance lesson, but that was it. It's better that way since I'm cranky. Today I'm just hagging out. took another shower (it helps) and looking around the kitchen wishing I could do some work to it but afraid to breath in anything or overdo it and start bleeding again.

OH one more ANNOYING thing in all this. My upper teeth, the roof of my mouth and the bone between my lip and nose is still NUMB. Grrr! very annoying feeling and I look stupid when I try to smile. Not that I can since when I do the splints dig into my nose! I hope that feeling goes away FAST.

I have an appointment for tuesday to take out the splints. YEAH! I really think I'll be fine after that. Once I get the ok to blow my nose and all this foreign stuff is out I think life will be normal.

So that is my saga. Thought I'd share. So Should you get your deviated septum fixed? Probably yes, it's too soon on the healing road to make that decision for sure, but I can tell I will be breathing tons better even with all the crap in my nose and the stuffyness I have now, I can already tell a difference. It will be great when I'm healed.

Future musician

2009-03-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Nikki on her drums ... Wait. Gotta go pee!

Singing Beauty

2009-03-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

If you know the disney Sleeping Beauty movie, you will know the song. 'Once Upon a Dream' well this is my 2 yr old granchild singing that very song. If you are unfamiliar with the words. She is singing " I know you, I walk with you once upon a dream" In the movie Prince Phillip is dancing with Princess Aurora, so she is dancing with her doll, just like in the movie. or at least SHE thinks so. Yes, she is adorable.

during pics

2009-03-16T23:06:00.001-07:00

Cabinets with the 1 ply oak on the sides and new cabinets on top. Now I've removed the doors and started sanding the frames.

Cabinet doors before, during and after.

Still working on the Kitchen

2009-03-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's hard to do something like this by yourself on spare weekends and think it will be done quickly. I didnt realize how long this project was going to take me. Not having all my weekends doesn't help I guess. But I want to do other things with my life besides renovate my kitchen and let's face it. weekends is all I have!

So all the cabinet doors are off except for the corner doors. they are going to be a pain so I'm saving them for last. All the door but 8 are stripped and sanded. only 4 drawers left too. And I started sanding the frame of the other side of the kitchen cabinets. 2 more weekends of sanding should finish that job off.

I bought stain but I'm not sure I like it. I got Cherry wood. it is about the same shade as what I had but a little more red. I dont want light cabinets and it looks like they may look too light. I'm going to try it first on one of the spare cabinet doors.

Once I get the cabinets and frames all sanded, I'll break off the old tile backsplash and repair any damaged wall (hopefuly there will be none). then I'll install the electric for the over the nook lights since that needs to be done before I re-tile.

S0 that's where I am so far on this project. I'll find my camera and take pictures. I'm too tired now.

kitchen renovation

2009-02-21T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm doing something that is kind of a challenge project. I'm trying to transform my kitchen for very little money.

So my first job was to take down the cabinets over my nook. ..... done.... then I had to figure out how to fix the ceiling from the large piece of wood that was holding up those cabinets that insisted on sticking out of the ceiling. After chiseling that out and patching the ceiling, then using popcorn ceiling patch... done.... then I needed to figure how to add cabinets to my fairly small kitchen since I just removed some. well you know the 12 inches between the top of most everyones cabinets and the ceiling? I decided to use that. But I want to be different so I bought (on sale) 4 12 inch by 30 inch and one 12 inch by 36 inch oak cabinets and installed them above some of the cabinets. I was able to use the long doors on an existing short cabinet that now had the 12 inch cabinet above it to look like a longer cabinet. On the rest I punched out the panel of the door and I'm replacing it with glass. Not done yet but working on it. So I took 1/2 the cabinet doors down and I've been stripping and sanding the frames and doors. what a job. but the cabinets are in excellent condition and shld look brand new when I'm done staining and finishing them off.

I also bought handles on sale from $8 a piece I got them for $3 a piece, (there are none now) for all the doors, very modern, they look like long tubes. it should look nice. I picked up crown molding for all the cabinets, the ones that are up to the ceiling and the ones that are not. again on sale I also decided to do a granite counter, of course to do it myself and save $3000 means to use 12x12 tiles. I found the perfect granite tile at Lowes again on sale and bought them for the counter and the backsplash. I am going to use some of the leftover limestone tile I have to make a design in the backsplash and I do need some trim tile to finish that. I also needed a new sink. I was not sure what to get, and my friend Dave came to the rescue and he was able to give me a brand new Swanstone sink, in a color that is perfect with the granite for...... free! yes free.

I still need to buy the stain..( I have no idea what color I'm going for. I keep changing my mind) , I need to buy the grout for the tiles, I need a new faucet (my sprayer is busted) and the lights to go above the nook in place of the cabinets I took down. I have all the wiring to run electic for the new lights and switch, and I have the lights to run in the new cabinets with the glass doors too. and I need to buy the 8 pieces of glass for those doors. I even have the polyuerothane and sealer to use. So I'm sitting pretty, most of the big expenses are done.

Now for the challenge. I dont want to spend more than $2000 for EVERYTHING. so far so good. I got the cabinets, handles & tile on sale. the sink free, I already have some of the lights and all the wiring, I have the adhesive for the tile too.
Costs to date:
Cabinets- 356.00
Tile- 380.00
handles- 114.00
sink- .00
ceiling fix- 11.00
molding- 42.00

total so far- 903.00

Expected cost:
Stain- 16.00
grout- 25.00
glass- 60.00
faucet- 250.00
lights- 100.00
misc- 50.00
trim tile 100.00

Total 601.00

I may come in way under budget! and the kitchen will be great & look totally different.

Those low hanging cabinets are history! And so is the piece of wood that attached it to the ceiling

You can see the metal trimmed sink, formica counters and empty space above the cabinets, lack of crown molding and the old little backsplash. I also put 1 ply oak on all the sides of all the existing cabinets. It looks much better than you see in these before pictures.

YOu can see what the cabinets looked like before adding the new ones.

Being Home

2009-01-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

Do you know the feeling you get when you are not home for a while, then you walk into your house and that feeling of contentment rushes over you for a minute. It's almost like feeling at peace. Well if you dont get that feeling I hope one day you get to feel it because it is pretty awesome. I love being home. I was in Dodge and Garden city all week. It is such a long week when I go each month. I really appreciate my house. Especially since I cleaned out the garage and started some projects... finished some others. Now for the first time in 2 years I finally got my car back in the garage.
I'll be working on my kitchen this weekend... or at least I'll try to get the motivation to do it. I'll post some pictures. it should look pretty good when I'm done but the job will be a long one.

Holiday Catch Up

2009-01-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Well here are some pictures from things happening since the last post. We went and got pumpkins and of course carved them. We Oz'd out for Halloween, with a munchkin, wicked witch of both the east and west and the wizard, curtain and all.

We Built a great tent in the dining room before I got some new furniture.

Nicole, Maria & I flew down to Jersey for Teresa and Chris's wedding, it was beautiful of course.

Christmas was great except for my being deathly sick on Christmas eve. I didnt get to eat anything! I basically slept, got sick and sat with everyone while they ate, then went back to bed. I'm glad they love me. Nikki got a drum set and she was so awesomely coordinated and played all at the same time, even the base drum. it was adorable.

PAINTING!!!!

2008-09-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

Rhonda and I went to Nicole and Shannon and did some major painting! the house is looking so Nick and Shanno ish. I love it. I had fun with Rhonda too. I hope we can do it again some time soon. Plus the kids took us out to eat to say thanks. SUSHI!!! good times. Here are some before and after pictures of the Kitchen, Bathroom and new dining room light.

Ren Fest

2008-09-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well the KS City Ren fest was lots of fun. Jayme made an adorable costume for the baby, a woodland fairy. As usual Nicole kicked butt on the awesome costumes she makes, Her gown was gorgeous! Charles came with us too and he used Shannons Alchemist costume. It was fun!Nicole and Jayme went on the dragon swing and she was so cute raising her hands! I just love her.

Did you miss me? Well I'm here to say I'm proud to be an American.

2008-08-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well blog, it has been quite a while since I posted. But I feel the need.
I've been .... as many people around the world.... totally into watching the Olympics
Michael Phelps breaking Mark Spitz record that stood for 36 years, and so many other golds in swimming, Nastia and Shawn kicking butt in Gymnastics, even with the unfair scoring of the judges. Misty and Kerry literally winning every match they have played in Beach Volleyball for a year and now going for the gold. America's fencing team kicking butt! American Softball team and baseball team are so good they eliminated the sports from the olympics because no country could compare to the Americans, they are back this year and proving their unbeatable skills again. Softball have basically only had to play 5 innings because they get so many runs it isn't necessary to play more. Our mens track team even swept the podium winning all 3 medals in a match. This doesn't even touch on the many other gold, silver and bronze medals, I believe 79 total medals so far or USA. Now the host country is doing a fantistic job. They have 44 gold medals, more than anyone. I hope the judging has been more fair than we've witnessed in gymnastics, and if they have then great job to China, but I know there have been a few medals for China in gymnastics that were judged against other countries, especially America, unfairly. But I'm proud the American's have not challenged anything. That is poor sportsmanship and petty. We will take what we have and know in our hearts that some of our scores were higher than the numbers the judges gave.
I look forward to watching all the sports, My favorites are Swimming, Gymnastics and Volleyball. But all of them are awesome to watch, no matter who wins it is exciting to see their faces, those of the coaches, and fans. It is also the only time all countries come together as one world of equals. No one at war, all hard working, dedicated athletes from so many countries. Too bad the world doesnt work every day like they do at the Olympics that are for so short a time, so far apart. I'm glad that we have them. Seeing so many countries run side by side, winners from one country hugging and congratulating another for their medal performances. Its the way the world should be. But I can't help but be so proud to be American. Our athletes are always in the running as the top, the ones to beat. Yet we do not take our children from families as toddlers, they grow up with their loving families like all other kids, but train hard and long as they live normal lives. Yet we are still the team to beat on almost every competition. How can you NOT be proud of our country?
I can go on about this for hours, but I'll leave it like this.
I wouldn't live anywhere but here, with our problems and all. America is still the best place in the world to live,prosper, have freedom and be able to decide for ourselves what 'we want to be when we grow up!' Proud, every day, to be an American.

Memories

2008-05-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

I recently was visiting Family on the East coast and as we drove past my old neighborhood in Canarsie Brooklyn, I did some driving down memory lane, Or Rockaway Parkway, whatever you want to call it. I moved from there in 1987 Long time ago.

But this is the bagel store (I can't believe it's still there) that I had my epithany that I wanted to move out of Brooklyn.

This is the house that we owned. This is also the same house Dutch was born in and his father was born in. And one of our Children were born in, Yes you Maria. Once we owned it we were the ones smart enough to sell it a few years later and move out of Brooklyn. We are the ones who put the siding on the house. Back in the 80's, the yellow was nice. Now I laughed when I saw someone wrote a note in what looks like permanent marker on the siding by the mail box. Classy huh!

This is the Church I got married in. Holy Family Church. It is also where 2 of my girls were baptized, and where their dad was baptized. Even my brother in law Tommy went to this church way back when he lived in the projects. It's still a pretty church. Dutch also went to school here until he had to enter highschool.

Speaking of High Schools, This is Canarsie High School we lived across the street from it and Dutch went to here.

I'm very glad I do not live in Brooklyn anymore. So was Jayme when she was driving there with me. I can't even imagine raising my kids there now. I made the right choice by leaving 21 years ago!

New Home for the ARSI Staff

2008-04-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well ARSI is moving to a new location. It's actually 2 buildings. One is already established as an office building. two floors with an open upstairs, and downstairs with a bunch of offices. the other building is actually a warehouse that we are going to turn into the collection floor with room for 42 collectors. Guess which of these pictures are the future home of our collectors!. My office is going to be elevated 2 feet with half glass walls so I can watch out over the collectors. Should be pretty awesome. Whats cool is everything will be brand new and all the collectors will be getting flat screens. We expect to move in by the latest June 1st. I'm very excited.

2008-02-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

I'm just the cutest!

Wii

2008-01-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

This is Jayme and Jessica playing Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii. Too funny to watch.

Better late than never! BOO!

2008-01-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

I never posted pictures from Halloween 2007, Look at my adorable pirate grandchild. Jayme was a maiden, me, Nicole and Baby Nikki were pirates. ARGH!

Fun weekend

2007-10-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

So this weekend Jayme, the baby and I drove to Mahanttan for a fun filled weekend. First we went to the K-state vs KU football game. I got to see Maria too. We were winning, but then we lost. Sad! I had a lot of fun though, they do some new things that was fun to watch. Then Nicole and Shannon made us a delicious dinner at their house, YUMMY. On Sunday we went to breakfast with Maria then dressed up for the Ren fest in KS City. I was a pirate, So was Nicole, Shannon, Jenette, Chris and baby Nicole, Jayme was a Renessance (sp) lady of the court. We looked like we fit right in. I bought a really cool oil lamp made of slate. and a fun hand etched Halloween neclace. My camera wasn't working but Nicole and Jenette took pictures. We got home really late and the baby wound up with a high fever by then. So sad to see a 1 year old look sick! poor baby. But beside that it was a very nice weekend and worth the drive. I love spending time with my kids.

wOW

2007-09-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Look what I found. this is the first picture I posted of the basement. look at it then and now.

2007-09-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

she cute or what. She LOVES to water the plants. My grandbaby is getting so big!

Basement Update

2007-09-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

As you can see the basement is coming along. the walls, floors, cubbies, lights are all done. all that is left is putting the granite tile on the bar. it's all framed out. Notice the big space in the front of the bar. Maria is supposed to paint a NY scene on it and Shannon had the idea of putting lights in it. Shannon also has to help me put up surround sound and I need a Wii. Notice the big tan dog stuffed animal on the floor, yes baby Nicole loves it down there too, now I can use the room. Maybe one day soon I'll find the time to finish it.

NEED TIME

2007-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well this last weekend I missed out on the ren-fest! Nicole and Shannon went and the pics they posted are great. I really have to get the costumes made before October so I can go with them next time. No fair!. Jayme and I felt jipped so on sunday we took a ride to the KS state fair. It was my firsts time there. We took some fun pictures. One of baby Nicole in a HUGE chair. We didn't stay too long but it was fun, since we missed the ren festival I was glad we at least got to do something. I just need to find time to do things for myself. Haven't had that much in recent weeks, actually months. I still have 3 golf lessons paid for that I need to schedule. Maybe next week!

I'm back

2007-09-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well it's been eons since I posted on my blog. I have not had much time, soo much has gone on in these past months. We got Jay's house back to sell and we worked our butts off on that, it's on the market now and hopefully will be sold soon. Work has been so stressful and hectic. Our legal department moved to Wichita and they did not do it in a very organized manner so now things are behind, tons of trainees, two more start tomorrow, and I have to do the initial training. I have a new collector that I've been neglecting because of all the stuff I've been having to do for the boss and for the legal department. I moved my office to another in the building to help out. I'm tired, frustrated, stressed, you name it. I know it will not always be this bad but right now I feel like I can't get the simplest things done without staying till all hours.
On a better note, I did work on my basement and it is really starting to look good. I forgot my camera at Maria's when I went up to Manhattan when she had her wisdom teeth taken out so I can't post a picture yet, but it looks good. Anyway, I'm glad I got to do this post and I'll try to post more often.

Decade day

2007-06-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

We had some fun at the office. It was decade day and each employee dressed in their favorite decade. I was 70's. It seemed 80's was the most popular. it was fun! Jayme even found a shirt at Salvation Army that said Jazzersize on it. Perfect 80's shirt.

GOlf lessons

2007-05-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

So Jayme and I are going to take golf lessons. Fun huh! I've been wanting to learn how to play golf for a few years but never did anything really about it. SO now I have a 6 week course planned for the both of us starting Saturday. I'm looking for used golf clubs to try it out. Play it again sports had some, we'll see. I'm going to buy them tomorrow. hopefully I'll be okay at this! Wish us luck!

basement update

2007-05-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

well the walls are painted. Since I took this picture I also installed an new silver/gray carpet. IT looks really good. I'll get a picture soon. Now I have to finish the lighted cubby holes, the electric and get the furniture. I've decided to make the ottoman coffee table I saw for almost $600. it will cost me more like $150 to make. And it will match better since I get to choose the colors of the paint and leather. I also have the molding painted but I haven't put it up yet. THis weekend I will.

TOO FUNNY

2007-05-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

Jayme mowed the lawn. Nicole hung out with her as she did. literally. it was hysterical watching the baby's legs dangling, swinging, and she just loved it. She even started to relax against Jayme when she did the front lawn. What a sight!

2007-05-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

So she figured out how to use the sippy cup. OF course since she is so smart, she even realized to get more liquid, she has to tip the cup up. You know the gravity thing. She just hasn't figured out what is too far up. So she fell backward! funny baby

Funny baby

2007-05-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

as you can see, my grandaughter is a practicing pianist!
also she found a place she likes to nap and rest. Yes for those of you that recognize it, it is the dogs big pillow. So I started throwing a blanket over it whenever she feels like using it and poor Dakoda has to use the floor sometimes. It's good to learn how to share!.

more big girl pictures

2007-05-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

Notice that she is not holding on to anything. Not bad balance for a 9 month old!

Big girl pictures

2007-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Have Doggy land mines?? build a Doggy yard

2007-05-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

Well now that my grandchild is getting more mobile, I got tired of all the land mines in my backyard. I mean let's be real. the baby would think one is pretty tasty looking. since she thinks everything is tasty looking. So to not make me sick, I needed to create a doggy yard so the bombs go away. Especially since now we have mine and Jayme's dog planting them in the yard. So I put up a pretty neat fence. This picture is before I completed the gate part. I'm very proud it is very level. More level than the big fence that's for sure. So now the dogs have a place to go and not get yelled at. Out the garage door and they are in their own safe doggy yard with dog house and all. Nicole is safe from doggy land mines.

Mommy's day

2007-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

My mothers day surprise was so great. First Maria surprised me and then Nicole and Shannon were there. POOF! instant loved ones. Jayme arranged for us all to meet and go to a really nice dinner at Larkspur. The food was great, the company was great and I got treated! what more can you ask? WELL, everyone stayed overnight at my house! So needless to say I had a really great mothers day.

2007-05-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

Riverfest was fun. We got to see a really odd version of Wizard of OZ. the audience was the munchkins and the story was a bit unusual, but it was fun and Nicole got to be held by the scarecrow and Dorothy

2007-05-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

I did it. here are the 4 of us having fun and just being friends. It was really great. I had such a nice weekend and it refreshed me, and helped us all bond to become the team we once were hopefully.

2007-05-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well I got 2 to download then it started beeping me again when I tried. but this is us on Saturday night.

Breckenridge!

2007-05-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well me and the girls went on a management retreat. I finally got to use my timeshare and the 4 upper managment went and relaxed. I had such a great time with all of them. Lori & I went up Friday night, then picked up Nikki & Arianne from the Denver airport on Saturday. We all drove home on Monday. The weather was sporatic, mostly snowing & rain but it didn't phase us. We really enjoyed ourselves. We even bought matching ARSI neclaces to remember our first managment retreat weekend. We will be doing it again! Again I'm having issues downloading pictures. this time it wont even give me the red x in the box, it just keeps saying it cant find something or other. so I'll try to add pictures another time, they are really cute too!

Pictures wont load

2007-04-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to post pictures of my family when they were in town for my beautiful grandaughters baptism. But I can't get them to! For instance, this little box with the red X is a really adorable picture of my father with the baby's bonnet on ! You are missing it because I can't get the stupid pictures to POST!!!! GRRR. help me fix this.

THE BIG HOUSE

2007-04-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

So everyone made fun of me because as my kids moved out, I kept getting bigger houses until I was living alone in the biggest house yet. But see, there was a method to my madness! If my house is big enough, my kids, their kids etc will always have room to stay when they visit. Logical if you ask me. So now that my Jayme and my beautiful granddaughter needed a change, ta da! Room for all. Since Jayme and baby Nicole moved in last week, we killed ourselves getting stuff done to make them at home. It was fun and not over yet! First we cleared room in the basement for my office furniture, then moved the office furniture from the top floor to the basement, books, shelves and all. Oh I'll give you a clue on easy moving of things down two flights of stairs, just put things in flat stuff, like boxes, suitcases, then sit on the steps next to it and slide down the stairs while holding it, yes it's fun! Especially when the box is heavy, you move pretty fast! OK back to work, THEN we moved Jay's queen bed up the stairs from the garage... box spring didn't fit. But being the comical, laughing, stubborn ladies we are, Once we stopped laughing long enough, we dislodged it from the staircase and MADE it fit. OH yeah! it's up stairs. Then we moved all the furniture out of the spare room, of course the crib didn't fit out the door so we had to take it apart and put it back together in my room even though it was next door! But we want Nicoles furniture in her own room. THEN we painted the baby room. Looks really good too. once dry we started moving all her furniture from the basement upstairs to her room. In between all this, I mowed my lawn for the first time of the year. So all in all, it was a productive 2 days and I got plenty of excersize. We'll take pictures so you can see how nice the rooms look, Even my new office space downstairs looks pretty good. But don't worry Nicole and Shannon, there is still room for you both! Maria of course still has her own room since she technically still lives there when she's home from school, sorta, in a way.

The Opera

2007-03-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Last night Jayme played her tuba in the orchestra for the opera 'Dialogue des Carmelites'. It was in French and was really very good. Jayme of course did a wonder job in the pit. She isn't feeling well and that didnt stop her from being awesome. I just feel bad because she still has 2 more night of performance and she feels really crappy.

Jessica and her boyfriend Solieh(sp), Amanda, me and baby Nicole all went. The baby was just so good! 3 hours long too. After the first act (1hr) and the lights came on people were surprised that a baby was there since they never heard her. Well we fed her a bottle after each intermission and she played quietly, then she fell asleep on Grandma! she was a great little bubbalah for all 3 hours.

Jayme is so generous

2007-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

For anyone who knows me, it's no surprise that I have been very stressed at work lately. I'm in the western part of the state as I am every month for work. Tonight I'm in Garden. Well today Jayme called me and told me she made arrangements for me to have an hour massage with a manacure tomorrow night, then have my hair cut, dyed and styled on Thursday night. She wants me to feel less stressed. I was so surprised I cried.

Thanks Jayme. You are a very caring, thoughtful young woman. I love ya hon.

HOCK.EY

2007-02-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

Jayme, baby Nicole and I got to go see Nicole, Shannon and Jenette play hockey this weekend. It was soo much fun. Nicole has become a true hockey player! I'm so proud. My little girl is out there kicking butt as a defense player. She doesn't let the other team shoot. She'll get into the mix no matter what, She can be pinned by two big guys and her stick and skates are still working to get the puck away from them until she does. I love it! Shannon still skates so fast and knows how to set up plays. And Jenette is like a gnat. She is in their way whether they like it or not foiling shots and passes. I was so proud of all of them. I wish I was rich so I could have a reall rink built in Manhattan for these kids to practice and have home games. They deserve it. How else can you describe dedication, than this team, they really play hard with so much against them. They hold their own pretty good if you ask me. I really enjoy watching them. I have to make sure I figure out how to get to more games next season.

We were all sick though, I'm feeling much less conjested, had a coughing fit that made me feel horrible for hours, but I feel better today. Hopefully when I present the seminar tomorrow for our client I dont have a coughing fit then. It's bad enough I cant get this stupid fever sore to go away in time. Sigh!

Long time no post

2007-01-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

WOW it's been a long time since I posted. So I'll get it done now!
Well for an update, we started belly dancing again. The Fast Dance. So fun. This time the entire class is just us, even Simone who doesn't work with us anymore and Amanda Jay's friend joined the class. It's a blast, We all have hipscarves too. We got them really cheap on an internet site. They came really fast and were made very nice with inexpensive delivery charges.
Things have been stressful at work but I dont want to talk about that because it gives me heartburn. But that's what they pay me for right!
I worked on the basement. Looking good. the walls are all ready to prime and paint. Plus Jay and I finished the excersize room. Fun, rubber floor, equipment and we even managed to leave room for floor excersize. only thing was it was so much work (we did it yesterday) that we were too tired to excersize when we were done. I'll get some pictures for you asap.

So it's late, I'm tired and I'm off to bed.

Grandma tastes good?!?

2006-12-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Nicole started attacking my faces, pretty violently too. She would shake her head and slam her open mouth on my face while grunting pretty loudly. It was sooo funny and she kept doing it until Jayme took pictures. I guess my face tastes good! She is too cute.

Feeling better....I think

2006-12-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

I've been trying so hard to act like I feel better. Here it is, the last weekend before Christmas and I still haven't put up my tree or lights or finished shopping. I'll be going to court with both Monday and Tuesday since the atty is so short staffed, then I'll spend a day giving out client gifts (at least a day) and I'm SOOOOO busy at work beside that. How am I ever going to get it all done before next weekend??? Poor Jayme has caught my bug. She spent the night throwing up and doubled over. I hope little Nicole doesn't get it too! Right now they are both asleep. good.. naps help. But I'm trying to clean up so I can try to finish reviewing accts for suit before tomorrow. Then hopefully, tomorrow night I'll put up the tree. I think I'll take some time off on Thursday and finish Christmas shopping. Being in Garden and Dodge all last week really killed my shopping time! Let's face it, I used to live in Garden and make a trip to Wichita to shop, what makes you think now that I live in Wichita, I'd go shopping in Garden. NO. Anyway, the baby is getting up so I better go get her.

Christmas party

2006-12-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

The Christmas party is over. Everyone liked the scarves we made for the staff. The place was okay, the food was tasty but they were so stingy with it, and the show was nice but too long with too many slow songs for a party with so many little kids, plus WHERE WERE THE ANIMALS! they told us the ranch show had animals and not one mouse, dog, or reindeer. The service wasn't that great either. But I always have a nice time with our staff. Everyone gets along and we are growing to be so big.

Basement update

2006-12-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

OK this is the wall with the Dr Suess like drawings of what I want to do to it. - door opening, spot for the TV and the 3 soon to be lighted cubbies.

So I finally started by cutting the door to the exersize room, and moved the electric socket to behind were the TV will be mounted.

At least it doesn't look like this anymore. Now the ceramic tile floor is done, the pool table is in, the lights are changed, the vent is moved (cant see that behind the wood) and the door is cut so the old doorway can become my wet bar... eventually.

(this last one is before I cut the door opening)
I REALLY want to get the walls done before my dad and sisters visit next month. I need some help since my weekend warrior days are obviously not cutting it! I'll keep you updated. At least I can now play pool on my breaks from killin myself doing work down there.

Like a Light bulb?

2006-12-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

You have to ck out Jayme's blog. It was really funny the other day when we were sitting in the car, belting out Christmas carols. When we sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I was 'singing' and Jayme was doing the echo. But she put a very confused face on when we sang
'Had a very shiney nose' she echo's 'like a light bulb', then I sang on and got to
'you would even say it glows' and Jayme screamed out ' like a ....light ... bulb?' So when do you say it. so she called Older sis Nicole. and Nicole said hey, I think we DO say it twice. So Jay & I found a website that is so cute, it has music AND the lyrics. so check out Jayme's blog and see what you are supposed to echo!

Can't shake it!!!!

2006-12-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

I HATE being sick. I've not been myself for a while. Now on top of feeling lousy last week with dizziness and nausea, I have a cold now. GEEZ!! Our office Christmas party is Saturday. We are going to a ranch and having a dinner show. It should be fun. I'll try to put some pic's up when we get back.

Hollywood Nutcracker

2006-12-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well this last weekend was my Birthday. I drove up to Manhattan on Friday night and went to see the 'Hollywood' Nutcracker with Nicole, Shannon, Maria, Nick, Jenette & Chris. It was fun. The music was the same, it was still a ballet, but what made it the Hollywood version was purple Zoot suit rats and a rat queen named Gruella de Mille, the clothes were more 1930's and it opens on a hollywood movie audition set. I enjoyed it. Remember last year Maria took me to the traditional nutcracker but that was a present. It was wonderful and I enjoyed guessing my gift last year. I like doing that kind of stuff and can't wait until little Nicole is old enough so Jayme and I can do it with her. On Saturday we all went shopping in Manhattan and to lunch in Aggieville. Nicole and Shannon bought me pumpkin icecream... Yummy! I drove back to Wichita on Saturday, Sunday was the actual birthday! Maria posted it on her blog, thanks baby! Jayme slept over so I could wake up with her and little Nicole on my B-day! Great present. Then she made me a really tasty omlet breakfast, and she made me real hot cocoa with chocolate pudding and cinnamon rolls at night and sang happy b-day to me. Isn't she sweet? Nicole and Maria called me on my actual birthday too. So it was a good birthday. I love when I get to see my girls.

2006-12-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

These pictures both made me laugh. What a happy baby my grandaughter is! I just can't wait until this Christmas. I forgot how much I love having a baby around. She is wonderful.

2006 almost over

2006-11-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is so close to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! Wow! where did the year go. I'm looking forward to the Holidays. I hope Nicole and Shannon get to come down Christmas time. Since it is baby Nicoles very first Christmas it would be great to have her Aunt and Uncle here too. But last year they were here so I have to share!

I want to buy baby toys!! any suggestions?

Dalmations are very attached creatures

2006-11-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

Yes we took the baby to disney on Ice. I know she is just an infant, but she liked it (when she was awake) She wore a Minnie mouse outfit with little pink ears. so cute!
Now take a look at the dalmations. I laughed my butt off. Do you notice anything about them?

BOO

2006-11-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun. Here are some pictures of the beautiful gothic witch, the ugly witch who thought she was beautiful, a zombie and the cute little lobster. Tell me if you can tell the real lobster from the 'fake' lobster!

I HAD A GREAT WEEKEND

2006-10-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really glad Jayme, baby Nicole and I went to Manhattan this weekend. I love seeing my girls and next weekend just wouldn't have been the same. After all today is Nicole's birthday! We all went out to eat and we shopped and we hung out at Nicoles, it rained all day Saturday so we were limited, but it doesn't matter, I'm just glad to see her and give her a hug and kiss! I got to be with my little Maria too. I miss those girls. IT is always so great when I have my three girls together with me.

Then I went to a Lobster Dinner today. It was a great time. There were many of my friends, Kecia had about 70 people there, and the food was great. I always enjoy when I hang out with this crew, they are fun people who I really care about. I can't wait for the next one!

I cant find my cord so I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Downstairs will be so great

2006-10-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well the tile is down, the grout is dry and the pool table is moved but not yet put together. I need beeswax, who thought it would be hard to find. I have been having such a hard time finding time to get anything done. I'm pooped after work, I travel so often to GC/DC for work and my weekends seem so rare. So this project is taking way longer than I expected. But it will be so great when it is done. I thought if I could get the pool table done this weekend, I could maybe cut the holes in the walls for the lighted cubbies I'm making, Maybe even cut out the new door opening too. We'll see. It will be a busy weekend. It is my Nicole's 25th Birthday and I want to see her, but I thought she was going to play hockey this weekend so I made plans to have a Lobster dinner on Sunday afternoon with my boss and friends. since she is not playing hockey, I'm trying to decide if I should go up to Manhattan or stay home and see her a different weekend, but then it probably wont be until Thanksgiving unless she comes down. I'm sure she wants to be with her friends too. So I doubt she will want to come to Wichita. Hmmm. decisions decisions. Either way I love her to pieces and cant believe my baby is going to be quarter of a century.

HELP

2006-10-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

I dont know how to put a clip from my digital camera on the blog. I really want to but do not know how. Someone want to give me detailed instructions?

baby Nicole

2006-09-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

You didn't think I'd not post pictures of the most perfect baby in the world did you? She was just so cute in this outfit. She found the rim of her hat and kept crossing her eyes trying to see it. I just love her so much.

Manhattan

2006-09-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Jayme, baby Nicole and I went to Manhattan this weekend and got to spend some time with Nicole, Shannon & Maria. I miss them. I got to laugh and hug and see my girls. I am so thankful that Jayme lives in Wichita with me. I wish I could see Nicole and Maria more often. I miss them both so much. Jayme and Nicole were discussing trying to make sure they see little Nicole at least once a month. So since they will all be here sometime in November for Thanksgiving and in December for Christmas, so Jayme and I will go back up to Manhattan in October. We'll decide who goes where starting January. This will be great since I'll also get to see my girls once a month. Woo hoo!

The best baby in the world

2006-09-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is my grandaughter on my lap looking at me making strange faces and noises, as you can see I've made her wonder what the heck is going on! For anyone who knows my mother, Yes, I'm slowly turning into her!

This is her getting her diaper changed and deciding she really needed to poop after all!

Once again, this is Nicole looking at her grandma as her grandma is making her dance and wondering, "Hey don't I know tha song grandma? "

But this picture ends all. Oh my gosh what a beautiful baby. she is holding her little doll, who by the way is only about 4 inches long, since Nicole is so small she makes the doll look so big! I wonder if she is dreaming about how much she loves her grandma!

I love my grandbaby

2006-08-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

I tell you it is so hard to leave that child. When she gives the smallest smile.... gas or not.... I melt. She is such a good baby. I 'babysat' for a few hours last night while Jayme got some much needed sleep and Jerry worked on his friends car for some extra money. I LOVED IT!! I want to quit my job and just look at my little grandaughter sleep! I forgot how much I loved having babies around. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to have that 3 times in my life with Nicole, Jayme and Maria. They truely are the best things that ever happened to me in my life and I love watching them as adults, even from a distance I'm so proud of them. Now Jayme gets to start the circle with little baby Nicole. Isn't life just so great!! When I count my blessing lately, there are so many of them. God has been good to me.

OK I'm done. I just needed to voice my feelings. Everyone can stop staring at me. :)

done kitchen

2006-08-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some before and after pictures of Jayme's kitchen. Pretty different hugh. I really like the end result. Much more functional too.

unbelievable few days

2006-08-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well yes it has been busy. see Nicole's blog for pictures of my beautiful baby grandaughter Nicole Jade. She was born Aug 1st, she was 7lbs 9oz and 18 1/2 inches long. little shorty. Dark hair and the most adorable face in the world. I can't get enough of her.

Also we have been redoing Jayme's kitchen as a surprise while she is in the hospital. She knows about us painting it from bright sky blue to the color she picked and she knows we are putting down a new floor. (I had to tell her something so she would understand us not being at the hospital 24/7. But she has no idea we are also giving her a new sink, new tiled counter top, undercounter lights, new kitchen light, new curtains, pot rack, microwave cart, hamper, stools for a new nook and redoing her old little work table. Jerry's uncle Tommy even came to help us connect the new single sink to the old plumbing of the old double sink, I never connected a garbage disposal before so I'm REALLY glad he showed up. ALL DONE NOW> we only have finishing touches and we will finally be done. Aunt Nicole is sewing curtains as I type!

ALmost!

2006-07-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well we picked up the dresser for the baby's room. It looks soooo pretty. We also got a mobile for the crib and a really nice baby book for jay and jerry. It's one of the nicest I've seen in a long time. Jayme goes into the hospital on Monday 7/31 and will either be induced on Tuesday or have the c-section on tuesday. It all depends on if the stuff they put on her cervix helps her dilate, if she doesn't she will have the section since that means the baby is too big to be delivered since Jay has a small pelvic opening. Sucks but at least she is aware so the doctor is ready for it. I'll be a grandma in just a few days, I'm soo excited!!

Baby room done!

2006-07-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

OH my gosh. You have to see how talented my girls are. We finished the babys room this weekend. It looks adorable. Jayme & Jerry are doing the nesting thing now!! We had to order the dresser and we haven't found the rocking chair/glider yet, but the dressing table and crib are there all done up with the new bed set Nicole, me and Jayme made. We stenciled the walls, put up shelves and other things we made, the curtains are adorable. All the baby stuff even the rug we made is perfect. It is hard to leave the room! we also fixed up Jay's living room. we made curtains, put slip covers on, put some trim on her rug, made pillows, it looks great! I will post pictures tomorrow. Now we are ready for the baby to come.

Baby room done!

2006-07-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Doctor had some good news

2006-07-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well Jayme's doctor said she can probably induce Jayme next week. She also said that there are other painkillers Jayme can take that will help her get through this. Plus the kidney stones have most likely been there a while, they are just now aggravated due to the pressure of the fluid and the pregnancy, so she probably wont pass them until much later after the pregnancy is over. She said there is nothing she can do about the fluid, it will go away when the baby is born, so let's hope Jayme doesn't have too much back labor. Jayme is 70% effaced but just starting to dilate. We'll see how this weekend goes and her next visit. I should be a grandma, and her sisters will be aunts before the end of this month! WOO HOO!

Kidneys!!

2006-07-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well Jayme has been in lots of pain since last weekend. The Dr thought she had a kidney infection. A sonogram she had today uncovered she not only has a kidney infection, but she has fluid in her right kidney that created pockets of fluid because little baby Nicole keeps pinching off the tubes to the bladder. BUT that is not all. she later got a call from the doctor, she has kidney stones..... in BOTH kidneys! OH man. my poor baby. Her due date was moved to 8-3. 16 more days. if she doesn't pass the stones soon she will have this pain until then and maybe while she is in labor. NOT TO MENTION, the strongest pain killer she takes is Tylenol! Tylenol!!! big freakin deal. How is that going to get her through passing mulitple kidney stones and fluid in the kidney while 8 1/2 months pregnant!!!!! Tomorrow is her Dr appointment, I hope she tells her something good. OH and on top of that, the baby is already about 7lbs 1oz. that means if she gains the normal 1/2 lb a week, she will be over 8 lbs when she is born and the doctor already told her if the baby is big she has a good chance of having a C- Section. Any more bad news!!!! Hopefully the tylenol will get rid of all the passing stone pain, all the stones w/ pass tonight and she will have an easy delivery in 2 weeks. ....... Yeah.... and I'll wake up skinny and 25 tomorrow!

Wireless Internet

2006-07-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

How on earth did I do without wireless internet????
I've complained for about 10 months that I could not get the internet connection to work in my office upstairs. I also always had to sit downstairs to log on. And when Maria was on the internet, I'd have to wait. NOW we can both get on anywhere in the house, including my office. This is awesome. Thank you Shannon, you and Nicole are so smart!

Getting close

2006-07-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

Well Nicole, Shannon, Jenette and Chris came down to Wichita this weekend. Nicole, Jayme and me all did some sewing. We have the babies bedroom ensemble almost all finished. It is so pretty!!! I'll get it done tomorrow and post some pictures once the room is set up. We are a very talented family! Jayme is due in less than a month!

HOT summer COOL pool

2006-07-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

There are 11 public pools in Wichita. We didn't go to any of them. We drove down to Derby and went in the Derby pool. It's like a water park and it was only $5.00 each. It was really nice. Maria and I decided to check out all the Wichita pools until we find one we like and we can save the Derby pool for once in a while. We did have fun. They even had a lazy river. Jayme is so pregnant!!!!

BUSY BUSY BUSY

2006-07-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jayme and I were productive these last few days. We finished a few sewing projects we had. I made a cornice for my dinette,

then a matching valance for the kitchen

and the big project... we finished making the skirt and hood for the baby's bassinet. It looks so pretty. Notice the glass beads on the window projects, looks really pretty in person. and the beaded trim on the bassinet, we had to do it by hand, we did the pleating by hand too. I just love them.

Next project is going to be the tile in the basement floor.

JAYME"S BABY SHOWER

2006-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Jayme really enjoyed her baby shower. It was fun. Nicole and Jenette kicked butt. They found great food and games and really did a wonderful job making it special.

Jayme had a great baby shower. We had a chocolate fountain instead of cake, played fun games, and opened gifts. She got nice things and no real doubles. Notice the beautiful quilt Nicole made for her first niece and the diaper is a game, that is not poop! fun. Jayme was so happy. Good job girls.

My Laptop

2006-06-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well we found the problem on my laptop. It needed a new motherboard! it isn't even 2 yrs old! good thing it is under warranty, it didn't cost anything and they fixed it already. So i'm back on track. Thanks Hockyfrog for your suggestion, I tried it but it didnt work.

stupid laptop

2006-06-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't get on the internet with my laptop! It keeps saying that the network cable is unplugged. I've checked everything. I cant think of what else to do to see why it is not recognizing the cable. SBC has the DSL line working property, but no luck! I'm so frustrated. Does anyone have ideas?

Bahamas was great!!

2006-05-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Maria and I went to Nassau for Kat's wedding. We stayed at the Atlantis resort. Beautiful place. I'm so glad I live in America. But it was beautiful! Kat looked so gorgeous and everything went well. Here are some pictures. If you want to see more go to Maria's blog. She has some on there tool!

This is the Atlantis Royal Towers, this is were Kat and Andrew stayed. See the archway? well that is actually their luxury 13 room suite. It costs $25,000 per night to stay there with a minimum 4 night stay. Wild huh!

Here is Maria in front of the lake, in front of the Casino, next to the Royal towers, if you were to pan left, you would see the Coral towers, that is where we stayed, so did the rest of the family.

This is the view of a portion of the grounds from Kat's balcony in the Royal towers, nice huh!

Here is me and Maria in our room in front of the balcony. we look so white, but notice my chest is sunburned but my neck is white. Ha!

Me and my sisters.

REALLY big fish

Kat and Tommy. Oh my gosh, he is so cute and what a good baby. The entire trip he was just so good. I love him to pieces.

Tee and Chris. They are a cute couple. I really like Chris. He is a great guy.

Diana, Larry and little Tommy. They are such a cute family and such great parents. I love watching them all together, it warms my heart.

Kat and Andrew were so happy. The wedding was beautiful and the weather was perfect. I 'm so happy for them. I'm so glad I was there. I wish all of us were able to go, but that's not real life. I really have to get a way for all my kids and their husbands to do something like this one day. we should do a cruise!

I have tons of pictures but I'll stop here. It was great.

we started belly dance today

2006-05-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

I forgot how much fun it is to bellydance. I may be older and not shaped like I was 25 yrs ago but it was still a blast. Jayme was the cutest pregnant person I've ever seen! She did really well too. Our instructor was really good. She taught us lots of steps and we started putting the dance together. I also have music. I know Maria will love this class, it will be fun when she is with us too in a couple of weeks.

Belly dance starts Monday..... I hope

2006-04-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

OK this got wild. I had to decide on a dance school that had classes with hours I can do, so the decision was made for me. only one had night classes that didnt start too early. So the class starts monday the 1st at 6:30. I'm just waiting to hear back from her to be sure there is room for all of us. All of us you ask? well, now it is not just me and maria, Jessica, Rhonda, Simone and if they let pregnant people go, Jayme too all want to go. Maria will miss 2 classes but that is not a problem since she is allowed to make them up in the 7 weeks. Plus she is more advanced than us anyway. FUN. I'm excited. wish my chubby body luck!

BELLY DANCE

2006-04-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

So.... you all know that Maria took belly dance at K-State this year. We made her and her friend Kelly bellydance costumes, hip scarf and all. They came out pretty good! Now many many many years ago, way back in 1979 I also took bellydance classes and had so much fun. well Maria and I are going to continue taking bellydance classes this summer in Wichita. I just have to decide should we go here or here? They both look like fun. I guess Maria can decide.

Trainer Charlie

2006-04-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ok my trainers name is Charlie. He gave me a workout to do. Problem is, it is almost exactly what I have been doing, he did increase the weights and show me how to better benefit from the machines I use, so that's a plus. He will meet with me every Wednesday and work me out harder than the rest of the week. I'm instructed that I cannot do any weight training the day after only cardio- like the treadmill. We'll see! Our goal is for me to lose 8 lbs before I go to the Bahamas in May. I'm ready! Wish me luck. OH I got on the scale yesterday and I was 183 lbs. Let's see if that lasts. Once I buy a new camera, I'll post pictures. maybe!

I have a Trainer

2006-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Fun. I have a personal trainer, well temporarily anyway. I met with him through Genesis, and I will meet with him for about a month once a week. He worked up an exersize plan for me and I start tomorrow. I've been working out 3 to 5 days a week since February. I haven't lost any weight, still 185 pounds!!!! but I fit much better in my clothes so I guess I'm losing inches!! I have 5 weeks before I go to the Bahamas for my neices wedding and I really wanted to be thinner, I guess I'll have to settle for looking a little thinner since the scale wont work with me!!
I'll let you know how I'm doing by then!

Jayme is Awesome!!!

2006-04-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Nicole came down and we went to watch Jayme at her Senior recital. WOW! She is so talented. She may be an undergraduate, but the music she chose to play was music most Graduate students wouldn't attempt, no less more than one piece. She not only played 4 hard pieces, but she did it very well. It was great. I am so proud of my little pregnant tubist! The three of us went to eat and I overate.... Man I'm weak. but the day was great & I have to figure out how to get a new camera so I can post pictures!!!

Easter

2006-04-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

I really need to get a new camera so I can post pictures, but Easter this year was really nice. For the first time since I moved into this house, it REALLY felt like home. I had a great time on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but Easter actually felt like Easter. I loved it Nicole and Shannon were in Garden with Shannons family& they were missed. Maria, Jayme and Jerry were over, we went to church, had an adult Easter egg hunt, it was fun, we played ball, frizbee, had an Easter BBQ, made eggs, and just hung out together having fun and everyone was happy. Yes Easter was nice very relaxed, no stress, nice! Next year we will have a new baby to spoil on Easter!

Brain Teasers!

2006-04-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

I love these things. see if you can answer any

1- Johnny's mother had 4 children, the first was April, the second was May and the fourth was June. What was the name of the fourth child?

2- Imagine you are in a sinking row boat surrounded by sharks. How would you survive?

3- Why is it against the law for a man living in North Carolina to be buried in South Carolina?

4- Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?

5- That attorney is my brother, testified the accountant, but the attorney stated he has no brother. who is lying?

Low fat cooking.......yum?

2006-04-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey look at this! It sounds pretty good and it is actually low fat.

These are mini meatloafs made in a muffin pan

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound of extra-lean ground beef
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 slice whole grain bread as breadcrumbs
2 egg whites
1/3 cup tomato ketchup

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a nonstick or silicone muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Crumble ground beef into a large bowl. Add shredded carrots and zucchini, and chopped onion and green pepper.

Serves 6.
Per Serving: Calories 150, Calories from Fat 38, Total Fat 4.2g (sat 2g), Cholesterol 47mg, Sodium 98mg, Carbohydrate 9.2g, Fiber 2.3g, Protein 18.7

Here is another one, lemon chicken. yum

Using a lemon, honey and mustard glaze, these chicken breasts are transformed into a tangy delight. You can bake, broil or grill the chicken. If you grill or broil the chicken breast, cook for 5-6 minutes each side until the chicken is no longer pink.

INGREDIENTS:
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
4 tbsp honey
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:
Combine honey, lemon juice and zest, garlic, mustard and black pepper in a glass dish. Place chicken breasts in marinade, coating both sides with mixture. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably longer.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and spoon marinade over them. Roast for 25 minutes. Serve with a wild rice blend and steamed vegetables.

Serves 4.
Per Serving: Calories 262, Calories from Fat 20, Total Fat 2.2g (sat 0.6g), Cholesterol 98mg, Sodium, 113mg, Carbohydrate 20.8, Fiber 1.3g, Protein 39.8g

Yes I'm still trying to lose weight!

2006-04-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

As you know I'm trying to lose weight. I work out pretty regularly now and I'm trying not to eat late at night. But check out this website. It really gave me tips.. It lists the 10 ways to fail at weight loss There are others links as you read this. I found it very helpful.

OH by the way, I haven't lost too much weight but I do look and feel a little better. More energy and my clothes fit better. So it's a start!

Maria is home

2006-04-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

I just love when Maria is home. The house feels so much more like home when she is here. She has been telling me on the last few trips that she LIKES living in Wichita. but today, she said something that made me sooooo happy. She said she thinks she going to LOVE living in Wichita. WOW! I want her to be happy here. I can't believe that I am happy here but I am. This is way better than smelly Garden City. Woo hoo. No comparison. Once Ria is home for summer break, gets a job, meets people she will be happy here. I mean come on, if anyone knows Maria, they know where there is shopping and restaurants, she can be happy!

My Grandbaby

2006-03-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

OK, this is awesome. Jayme went for a sonogram yesterday, I also went, so did Jerry, Maria and Nic. We got to see my beautiful grandbaby and it is a GIRL!!! I'm so happy she is having a girl. Girls are the best, giving birth to your best friends is something I did ..... three times..... and always wanted my girls to have that experience.

Take a look at this picture. You can see her profile and her transparent belly! She was lying on her back with her butt up in the air. Isn't she cute!
She rubbed her little transparent hand on her little transparent face!!! we saw her moving and trying to get comfy. It was adorable. It seems so real now. My first grandchild and she is already a perfect baby who isn't even born yet!I'm so excited. She is going to be so much fun! I just love her already.

Hello from Garden City

2006-03-15T09:15:00.001-08:00

Well I'm on my monthly trip to Garden City. I'm excited because I'm going to have dinner at my friend Joan's house and I haven't seen her since December. It's been busy, it usually is when I'm down here since it's only once a month. But it keeps me young.

I'm working on the losing weight thing. I've worked out almost every day for weeks now, and I even made sure the hotel I'm in down here has an excersize room and I've been using it! I haven't lost a pound!!! I do feel better in my clothes and have more energy, but I HAVEN'T LOST A POUND. What the heck is wrong with me????? I've been avoidinng eating late at night and I've been so consistant with working out, I even try to have at least a piece of fruit for breakfast ( I never eat breakfast and yeah yeah I know, you HAVE to) So what is my metabolism's problem??? Well in a month I'll post a picture of me and maybe a before and after, maybe we will see a difference. I have to lose some weight before I go to the bahamas and I'm determined not to give up just because every single scale I get on is stupid! so there!

Hello from Garden City

2006-03-15T09:15:00.000-08:00